I scored two of the autoimmune disorders - both Juvenile Diabetes and Hashimotos Thyroiditis (say that 20 times fast). Lately, I've had a lot of issues with the lovely Hashimoto thyroid condition and in doing research, there were a lot of articles on the benefits of - da da da dum - a gluten free diet to help with the condition.
What did I have to lose? I mean - I already was a gluten free guru, right? And hey - as a GF Mama, it was my duty to walk a mile in the boy's shoes and see what it's like for him to be GF. I already ate GF 50% or more of the time so really, could it be that difficult?
Yes. Yes it could.
I found myself struggling with what to eat for lunch - especially when dining out for work. Salad, salad and more salad - that got old pretty darn fast. If I was at a restaurant that had a GF menu, I was in heaven - over the moon! But I would be lying if I told you I didn't miss my favorite tuna salad wrap from my favorite lunch haunt. However I was pleasantly surprised at how many restaurants had GF options! So that definitely helped. Sadly, no GF tuna salad wraps though. Bummer.
Then there was beer. Specifically Troeg's Nugget Nectar beer. This German girl's favorite seasonal brew. That one hurt. Bad. Then I found out there is actually some really good GF beers out there. My favorite? Dogfish Head Craft Beers - Tweason' Ale. Sweet, tart, crisp. Had me singing Edelweiss in no time.
There were some great pizza options. Typically we get the boy his own GF pizza and the hubby and I a "regular" pizza to save on the price. Our favorite GF pizza is about $12 for a small pizza. That's the same price as an regular, large pizza. With toppings. But it was pizza. Really really good $12 pizza.
Then there were those awkward moments of going to a party and worrying if they would have GF foods available. Or the work event that only serves wheat filled, breaded hors d'oeuvers. Pass the crudité.
I did the GF diet for about a month. Though it was not easy for this 44 years of gluten-eating mom, the boy was one of my biggest supporters - and I think he was really proud of me for trying. I gained such an appreciation for his lifestyle and what he does to stay GF in social situations. And how hard it can be sometimes. I am in such admiration of him - he deals with all the challenges a GF diet brings with a big goofy smile on his face and a zest for life! And being GF doesn't bother him one bit. How awesome is that?
I'm going to try and go 100% GF again. Hopefully this time I will be stronger than that Nugget Nectar beer......
What's your best GF coping skill that you've learned? Do tell!
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